Last Updated: April 2024
Washers and dryers are a long-debated amenity that all residential property landlords need to consider providing or not. Washing options for tenants are normally either a community washroom (commercial machines), an in-unit washer and dryer (or hook-ups only), or no laundry services offered altogether (tenants need to go to an offsite laundromat). Although they come with added maintenance responsibilities, they are one of the most highly valued amenities for apartment renters and often come with the ability to ask for higher rent.
Best Rental Property Washer and Dryers
GE – White Laundry Center 3.8 Cu. Ft. – Electric Dryer
Magic Chef – 2.7 Cu. Ft. Elec. All-in-One Washer and Ventless Dryer
Speed Queen – 27″ Comm. Laundry Center 3.42 Cu. Ft. Washer, 7 Cu. Ft. Dryer Below we explore the top 5 washer and dryers for rental properties based on 5 different factors that landlords and property managers should consider when determining which type of washer and dryer is best for their rental property investment.
Best Overall
Buying Options
GE – White Laundry Center 3.8 cu. ft. Washer and 5.9 Cu. Ft. 240-Volt Vented Electric Dryer
Type
Electric, Stackable
Pros
- All-in-one design saves space by combining washer and dryer into one unit.
- Wi-Fi capability allows remote monitoring and checking of cycle status.
Cons
- High cost might deter some potential buyers.
- Wi-Fi feature requires separate purchase of ConnectPlus accessory.
Why We Like this Overall Washer and Dryer
This laundry unit is compact, very user friendly, packed with convenient features, and comes from a well known brand in appliances – GE (General Electric).
Best Economy
Buying Options
Insignia – Package (1) 3.7 Cu. Ft. High Efficiency 12-Cycle Top-Loading Washer and (1) 6.7 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Electric Dryer
Type
Electric, Side by Side, Top Load, Front Load
Pros
- 12 wash cycles and 4 temperature levels provide customizable washing options.
- Automatic water level control ensures optimal water usage for each load.
Cons
- High cost might deter some potential buyers.
- Noisy operation during the spin cycle with up to 77 dB sound level.
Why We Like This Economy Washer and Dryer
This economy set (2 units) of freestanding washer and dryer is a great price for economic laundry needs. For under $1,000 for 2 brand new appliances, they are a great choice to put in a rental unit.
Best All-in-One
Buying Options
Magic Chef – 2.7 Cu. Ft. Electric All-in-One Washer and Ventless Dryer Combo
Type
Electric, Front Load, All in One, Ventless
Pros
- Compact design ideal for limited spaces with 16 versatile wash cycles.
- Stainless steel inner drum supports large loads and ensures durability.
Cons
- High cost might not suit budget-conscious consumers.
- Longer dry times compared to conventional dryers.
Why We Like This All in One Washer and Dryer
This is our top pick for an all in one and ventless. Thanks to the ventless feature, all you need is water, power and a drain to get a laundry amenity in your rental unit.
Best Compact
Buying Options
Giantex – Portable Washing Machine, Full Automatic Washer and Dryer Combo, Built-in Pump Drain 8 LB Capacity
Type
Electric, Top Load
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design, perfect for apartments or dorms with limited space.
- Full automatic mode with diverse wash programs and water levels for versatile cleaning.
Cons
- Uncertain long-term durability and ability to secure replacement parts.
- Only offers 80% drying, requiring additional drying methods.
Why We Like This Compact Washer and Dryer
Most laundry machines are small nowadays but if you need extra small then this is our top pick. With dimensions of only 17 inches by 17 inches wide and both washer and dryer capabilities, this unit is an impressive machine. Note that the drying feature is spinning clothes to remove water.
Best Commercial
Buying Options
Speed Queen – SF7 27 Inch Commercial Laundry Center 3.5 Cu. Ft. Washer, 7 Cu. Ft. Dryer, Integrated Meter Case Electric Card Ready
Type
Natural Gas, Front Load
Pros
- Dynamic Balancing Technology ensures silent operation and faster drying times.
- Comprehensive options for customized washing and drying with long 5-year warranty.
Cons
- High cost may deter potential buyers.
- Limited to 3.5 cu. ft. for washing may not accommodate larger loads.
Why We Like This Commercial Washer and Dryer
If your rental property needs a commercial laundry solution, Speed Queen units are among the best quality. This unit is a perfect blend of quality and convenience with electric card payment acceptability.
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Top 5 Washer and Dryer Brands
When shopping for a rental property washer and dryer, it is recommended to be familiar with the various brands before purchasing. Several major brands dominate the market by providing rental property products that are reliable, stylish, and efficient. Below are the top 5 major washer and dryer appliance brands:
Washer and Dryer Repair and Installation
How to Hire a Rental Property Plumber
Plumbers can help install new washers and dryer machines by properly connecting the water lines, dryer vents, and ensuring that drains are in working order. Before calling a plumber for the job, it is a good idea to first understand the best practices of how to hire a plumber for a rental property.
Where to Find Appliance Repairmen
Finding qualified appliance repair pros can easily be done with online service directories. These platforms provide reviews and the ability to directly connect landlords and property managers, to service providers who can take care of property repairs ranging from air conditioning units to water heaters.
Rental Property Washer and Dryer FAQ
In-Unit or Shared Laundry Facility?
The choice between providing tenants an “in-unit laundry” or a “shared laundry” facility for a rental property largely depends on a variety of factors such as the type of tenants you’re hoping to attract, the type of rental property, location, costs associated, and even local laws or regulations. The decision will ultimately depend on what makes the most sense for your property, budget, and tenant demographic. It could be worthwhile to conduct a cost-benefit analysis or survey potential tenants to understand their preferences. Below we take a look at the pros and cons of both options:
In-Unit Laundry
| Pros of In-Unit Laundry | Cons of In-Unit Laundry |
|---|---|
| Higher Rent: You can charge higher rent as in-unit laundry is a desirable amenity that many tenants seek out. | Upfront Costs: The initial installation can be expensive, especially if your units aren’t already set up for it. |
| Attracts Long-term Tenants: Since having a washer and dryer in the unit is a luxury, tenants might be more willing to stay long-term. | Maintenance: When machines break, there is an urgent responsibility falls on the landlord to fix them. |
| Less Maintenance: With individual washers and dryers, there’s less wear and tear since not everyone in the building is using the same machines. | Potential Water and Energy Usage: In-unit machines may use more water and energy than communal ones, potentially increasing utility costs if not metered separately. |
Shared Laundry Facility
| Pros of Shared Laundry Facility | Cons of Shared Laundry Facility |
|---|---|
| Lower Installation Costs: Shared laundry facilities might be less costly to install because you’re purchasing fewer machines overall. | Potential for Conflict: Shared facilities might lead to conflicts between tenants about usage times, cleanliness, etc. |
| Revenue Generation: You can charge per use, which could provide an additional income stream. | More Wear and Tear: Since more people use these machines, they might need to be replaced more frequently. |
| Lower Maintenance: Maintaining a few machines in a central location can be easier than multiple units spread out across multiple residences. | Lower Rent: You might not be able to charge as much for rent compared to units with private laundry facilities. |
Is a Landlord Required to Provide On-Site Laundry Facility?
In general, landlords are not legally required to provide on-site laundry facilities in rental properties. However, this can vary by local regulations and the terms of the lease agreement. If a laundry facility is listed as an amenity in the lease agreement, the landlord is obligated to maintain it. If the laundry facility becomes unavailable (beyond normal maintenance and repairs) or is permanently removed, the tenant may want to check on local landlord tenant laws and the terms of the lease. Additionally, certain types of housing, such as some low-income or subsidized housing programs, may require laundry facilities as part of their standards. Local building codes and housing regulations can also impact this. Some municipalities might require larger multi-family complexes to provide laundry facilities, but this is more the exception than the rule.
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Who is Responsible for Repairing Rental Property Laundry Machines?
Short Answer: Maybe – It usually depends on whether or not the laundry unit was provided by the landlord or not. If a landlord provided a tenant a laundry machine (either in-unit or via a shared laundry facility), they are generally required to maintain any equipment that was provided and/or present at the time of tenant possession, or listed as an amenity in the lease agreement. If a tenant brought their own unit, landlords are generally not responsible to maintain a tenant’s personal property.
Other repair responsibilities depend on a few other factors. First, depends on the language in the lease contract. Some landlords may stipulate that this is not their responsibility to repair, and if both parties agreed by signing the contract, then there is little either can do to change it after the fact. Second, is to confirm whether or not the washing machine was installed (i.e. provided by landlord to tenant) upon the time of lease inception. If so, then the landlord should technically be required to maintain any equipment that was presently installed into the rental unit at the time of lease inception. Third, if local landlord tenant laws mention maintaining laundry machine repairs (or like-kind language), then a landlord should ideally comply with the responsibilities as outlined in the local law.
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About the Author
Ryan Nelson
I’m an investor, real estate developer, and property manager with hands-on experience in all types of real estate from single family homes up to hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial real estate. RentalRealEstate is my mission to create the ultimate real estate investor platform for expert resources, reviews and tools. Learn more about my story.
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